Exterior Cladding Slats – Application, Installation, and Inspiration

When designing a facade, we focus on durability, resilience, and long years of use. Therefore, it’s essential to choose materials that ensure these qualities while maintaining a fresh and aesthetic appearance over time. Another key criterion in choosing materials for an ideal facade is appearance. Sometimes, we aim to stand out without straying too far from classic designs. Cladding slats are undeniably becoming more popular, and for good reason—they can revitalize a facade, catch the eye, and offer a simple way to create something visually interesting. Exterior slats offer versatile uses, so there’s something for everyone, and facade projects don’t have to be standard or ordinary. Slats allow for both simplicity and more original designs.

Applications for Exterior Slats

Exterior slat boards are primarily used for facades, but they can also be used in small garden architecture projects. Facades don’t need to be entirely covered in slats—they can serve as an accent that enhances the overall facade. Some also choose to install slats indoors, achieving a unique and aesthetic effect that introduces a distinctive ambiance. For this purpose, it’s best to use interior wall slats.

Slatted cladding boards Premium Gray installed in a bedroom (photo by contractor)

Advantages of Composite Boards

The slats in our store are WPC composite boards—a combination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with wood flour and anti-UV additives in precise ratios, making the boards resistant to weather, mechanical factors, rotting, decay, and insect damage. Their durability is further enhanced by a polymer coating that protects against color fading, stains, and abrasion. One of the main benefits is their long service life without the need for intensive or costly maintenance, preservation, or challenging cleaning. Additionally, composite slat boards excellently mimic the appearance of wooden boards.

Ideas for Facades

Inspiration for facade projects and other designs can be found on our website in the “Projects” section, as well as on our Instagram and Pinterest accounts.

Terrace finished with Premium Teak slat boards (photo by Liderwood Client)

Terrace finished with Premium Teak slat boards (photo by Liderwood Client)

How to Install Exterior Cladding Slats

Check that you have all the necessary components before beginning the facade installation:

• cladding slat boards
• clips
• joists
• end and corner trims, as needed
• appropriate tools

It is essential to have a well-prepared surface that should be flat, level, stable, and durable. Begin by mounting the joists using quick-mount anchors. The distance between anchors should be no more than 500 mm, and joists should be laid parallel to each other. Make sure to leave a 10 mm expansion gap between the joist and the ground. Attach the first board to the joist, and install the subsequent boards as follows:

Remember to use corner trims when necessary. Finally, simply install the end trims. A detailed installation guide for cladding slat boards can be found here.

Slatted cladding boards at Liderwood

Slat boards are available in eight different colors: ecru, graphite, gray, antique, teak, redwood, amber, and walnut. The Amber and Walnut slat boards are 3D slats, distinguished by their wood grain pattern, while the other slats have a smooth finish.

Slatted Cladding Boards Premium

Slatted Cladding Boards Premium 3D

Slatted cladding boards in Teak color (photo by Liderwood Client)